THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES
Lois and Eunice, two women mentioned in the New Testament, have very little written about them. Their ministry was mostly behind the scenes, but as we’ll see, their faith left a lasting mark on a young boy named Timothy. In turn, Timothy would leave a lasting mark on generations of believers.
Paul wrote,
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5
The Book of Acts notes,
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. Acts 16:1
Lois was Eunice’s mother, and Eunice was Timothy’s mother. Timothy’s father was Greek, meaning he was a Gentile. Lystra is thought to have been their home – a city in what is now Turkey, with a diverse population and widespread idol worship.
In this place known for pagan worship, two women stood firm in their faith, worshiping the one true God and faithfully teaching young Timothy the Scriptures – even in a household where his father came from a different cultural and spiritual background.
It is believed that after hearing Paul’s teachings, Lois, Eunice, and Timothy received and believed the Good News of their Savior.
We know that faith took root in Timothy’s heart. Acts 16 goes on to say, “He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 16:2-3.
Traveling with Paul, Timothy had a front-row seat to the power of the Gospel. Imagine all Timothy learned as he witnessed God’s mighty power at work in the lives of thousands of people, even amid the brutal treatment and conditions they faced. He saw firsthand how the beauty of the Gospel could overcome the brutality of the enemy.
All that Timothy experienced under Paul’s mentorship prepared him for the leadership role God would eventually give him. As new churches were established, strong leaders were needed to guide them. In due time, Timothy became one of these leaders, serving as pastor of the church in Ephesus. Paul’s letters to Timothy offered the encouragement and wisdom he needed to lead his church well. Even today, 1 and 2 Timothy continue to instruct us, addressing prayer, worship, doctrinal truth, and the wisdom needed to both guide and guard a body of believers.
Timothy faithfully served Christ and His church throughout his life. However, it would cost him his life.
Timothy died a martyr’s death. Although the accounts of how he died differ, we know he remained faithful to the end, fighting the good fight of faith. But remember, he didn’t begin his faith walk that way.
Like many of us, Timothy started out young, inexperienced, and maybe a bit timid. But throughout his life, it’s clear the Lord provided people to help “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6) in Timothy’s heart.
Who has influenced you? And who are you influencing?
Perhaps you’re like Lois and Eunice, quietly living out your faith and teaching the truth of God’s Word to the next generation.
Perhaps you’ll follow the elders’ example by recognizing someone else's potential. Or you can be like Paul by investing in them, and walking with them into what God has ahead!
Or perhaps you’re already a Timothy – someone whose faith has been shaped by others and is now being called to influence the people around you.
Are you a Eunice? A Lois? A Paul? A Timothy?
You may never know how far your influence will reach. But as a person behind the scenes, you can help shape a life and a legacy of faith that reaches farther than you could ever imagine!
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